Marcus Soares Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Maple Ridge offers authentic Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu instruction in a welcoming, family-oriented environment. Whether you're looking for a structured kids program, beginner-friendly adult classes or fitness programs designed to help you move, strengthen and build confidence, our Maple Ridge academy provides a supportive place to learn, grow and stay active.
Authentic Carlson Gracie lineage instruction
Beginner-friendly adult and kids programs
Women's and co-ed fitness classes
Family-focused atmosphere and supportive community
Conveniently located in Meadow Ridge Shopping Centre
Marcus Soares Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Maple Ridge offers authentic instruction in a welcoming, family-oriented environment — a structured kids program, beginner-friendly adult classes and fitness programs, plus a home for many of our active competition team members.
Martial arts classes for adults and kids in Maple Ridge
Our Maple Ridge academy is a Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu school for adults and kids. Adult classes run on Mondays, Wednesdays, Thursdays and Fridays, including a Foundations class for complete beginners on Thursdays, and kids jiu-jitsu classes, grouped by age, run on Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays and Saturdays. There are also No-Gi grappling classes and Lil Tots for ages 4–5. It is a martial art built on control rather than striking, which is what makes it such practical self-defence for adults and such a good fit for kids.
Founder & Head Instructor — the Father of BJJ in Canada
9th-Degree Red Belt · Direct student of Carlson Gracie
Widely recognised as the Father of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu in Canada, Marcus is a 9th-degree red belt with more than 56 years on the mats and over 50 years of teaching. He joined the Carlson Gracie team in 1970 — the very first generation — and taught at the Carlson Gracie Academy in Copacabana before becoming, in 1997, the first black belt to teach BJJ in Canada. Today, nearly 30 years on, he remains the only Grandmaster in the country and still teaches across all three academies.
DA
Dana Adams
Student Success & Membership Coordinator
Brown Belt · 16+ years training under Marcus Soares
With more than 16 years of training under Grand Master Marcus Soares, Dana plays a key role in supporting students and families across the academy. From helping new members get started to assisting with kids programs and student development, she is passionate about creating a welcoming environment where everyone can thrive.
EA
Ezekiel Adams
Coach — Langley & Maple Ridge
MSBJJ Certified Coach · Training under Marcus Soares since age 5
Raised in the academy and training under Grand Master Marcus Soares since childhood, Ezekiel brings energy, patience and a welcoming approach to every class. His lifelong experience in the program helps him connect naturally with students of all ages.
Jon Curtis
Professor — Maple Ridge
3rd-Degree Black Belt · Under Marcus Soares since 2007
Training since 2004 and under Marcus Soares since 2007, Jon brings nearly 20 years of teaching experience to the mats. Known for his energetic coaching style, he motivates students to challenge themselves, work hard and reach their potential.
Nav Padda
Kids & Adult Coach · Competition Team
Black Belt · Marcus Soares fundamentals curriculum
Nav brings a modern, technical approach to Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu while maintaining the traditions of the Carlson Gracie lineage. He works closely with both children and adults and plays a key role in developing students for competition and long-term progression.
CR
Capri Rietel
Supports Members at Maple Ridge
Capri helps guide new students and families through their first steps at the academy. With four children and her husband actively training in the program, she understands the needs of busy families and works to ensure every member feels welcomed and supported.
We are very fortunate to have the accessibility of a true Master in jiu-jitsu. Marcus' experience comes directly from the roots of this martial art, and his old-school style stands the test of time in competition. Equally important, Marcus loves the friendships built within the schools — we're more than a team, we're a family. With three locations in Maple Ridge, Langley and Vancouver, there is a school near you.
BRBert RietelAdult BJJ · Maple Ridge
We've been training with Marcus, Dana and Nav for a couple of years and without a doubt, my son has built more confidence, respect and personal awareness than he ever would without it. The coaches are fantastic, the parents are all wonderful, and with multiple locations we always have a gym to train at. The only grandmaster, 9th-degree red belt in Canada — who else do you want to learn from!?
KFKelly FalconerKids BJJ · Maple Ridge
I have 2 daughters aged 6 & 8 in Marcus Soares BJJ and they absolutely love the classes. We mostly attend in Maple Ridge, but sometimes make a Saturday class in Langley. The instruction is top notch, very friendly and accommodating to newcomers. From day 1 they both felt comfortable and supported. Two thumbs up!
NMN MKids BJJ · Maple Ridge
Great place for kids to build self-confidence and discipline. Coaches Marcus, Dana and Nav are fantastic. They foster an awesome environment for kids to grow in the sport.
TSTejinder SandhuKids BJJ · Maple Ridge
Learn to fight like a lion and know what to do in a fight — on the mats and in life! Marcus Soares puts his life and life lessons into teaching incredible techniques to his students in a forever-evolving class. Never faltering. Honour is everything.
DLderek leforteAdult BJJ · Maple Ridge
We absolutely love this place! Motivating and excellent coaches with world-class knowledge. Our 9-year-old son loves learning BJJ here, and my husband trains in the adult classes as well. Just an all-around great place to be.
Q—Quinn — AJR TattooAdult BJJ · Maple Ridge
Training in Maple Ridge: common questions
Yes. Kids jiu-jitsu classes run on Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays and Saturdays at our Maple Ridge academy, grouped by age for children from 6 to 13, and Lil Tots for ages 4 and 5 runs on Mondays and Wednesdays. Kids memberships start from $139 a month for unlimited classes.
Yes. Our Foundations class for complete beginners runs on Thursdays at 7:00 PM, and the all-levels Fundamentals classes run on Wednesdays and Fridays. No experience or particular fitness level is needed, and we lend you a gi for your trial.
Yes. BJJ is built around what happens when someone grabs you, holds you or takes you to the ground, and it teaches you to control a person without striking them. Every class at our Maple Ridge academy builds those skills, for adults and for kids.
Yes. Every adult class at our Maple Ridge academy is open to women, and no experience is needed. The Foundations class is the easiest place to start. You can try two weeks of classes for $29.
Yes. No-Gi classes, jiu-jitsu trained without the traditional uniform, run on Mondays at 7:00 PM.
Adult memberships start from $169 a month and kids from $139, both for unlimited classes, with Lil Tots from $119. New students start with a two-week trial for $29, and a membership works at all three of our academies.
Our Maple Ridge academy is at 11924 207th Street, Maple Ridge, BC V2X 1X7. Free parking available on-site.
Getting here
Located in Meadow Ridge Shopping Centre, serving Maple Ridge, Pitt Meadows, Mission and surrounding communities.
Parking
Free parking available on-site
Your first step
Ready to start BJJ in Maple Ridge?
Join a welcoming community where kids, adults and families train together in a supportive environment. Start your 2-week trial for just $29.
